Slow Cooker Smothered Turkey Patties with Bacon and Onions Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor profile, consider sautéing the onions in a little butter or oil until they are golden brown before adding them to the slow cooker.

This extra step caramelizes the onions, bringing out their natural sweetness which perfectly offsets the salty bacon and savory turkey. If you have extra time, this small adjustment elevates the finished gravy to a whole new level of richness.

If you find the sauce is too thick for your preference after the cooking time is complete, you can stir in a tablespoon of warm water or broth at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Be careful not to add too much liquid, as you want to maintain the thick, creamy quality of the gravy that makes this dish so satisfying when served over mashed potatoes or steamed rice.

Variations

• Mushroom and Thyme: Add one cup of sliced cremini mushrooms and a teaspoon of dried thyme to the slow cooker along with the onions for an earthy, classic flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate a tablespoon of diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the sauce mixture if you prefer a bit of heat in your creamy gravy.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until steaming hot.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Placing the food in the refrigerator promptly prevents bacterial growth.

Properly stored, these turkey patties and their gravy will maintain their quality for up to three days in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, ensure the leftovers are heated thoroughly until they are steaming hot throughout before serving them again.

This dish is an excellent candidate for making ahead. You can prepare the patties and the sauce in the morning and refrigerate them separately, then assemble and start the slow cooker when you are ready.

Alternatively, you can cook the entire dish, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheating the finished dish often allows the flavors to meld even further, making it taste just as delicious, if not better, the next day.

Serving ideas

These smothered turkey patties are best served warm, ideally paired with a side that can soak up the delicious creamy bacon and onion gravy. Classic choices include creamy mashed potatoes, steamed white or brown rice, or even buttered egg noodles. A side of roasted green beans or a crisp garden salad adds a fresh contrast to the rich, savory nature of the turkey and gravy.

When serving, place a patty on each plate and ladle a generous amount of the gravy, including the onions and bacon bits, directly over the meat. If you are hosting a larger group, you can serve the patties directly from the slow cooker on a warm setting to keep the meal at the perfect temperature for your guests throughout the dinner.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Smothered Turkey Patties with Bacon and Onions

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey, shaped into patties
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions

1. Shape the ground turkey into four equal patties. Place the raw turkey patties in a ring along the bottom of the slow cooker insert, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer for even cooking.
2. Scatter the cooked bacon bits and the sliced yellow onions evenly over the top of the turkey patties. Sprinkle the black pepper over the entire mixture to add a subtle heat.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and water until smooth. Spoon the mixture over the patties and onions. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C).

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

24.5 g

Carbohydrates

8 g

Fat

21 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

2.5 g

Sodium

650 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.